Founder’s Award
providing dancers with some “breathing space”
About The Grant
Many dancers are physically and mentally exhausted by the time they retire. Their careers have been intense, highly disciplined and have provided little time for rest and renewal. The Founder’s Award was established to provide a dancer with some “breathing space” — the opportunity to step back, reflect and determine how to fulfill their passions in their second career. The award is named in honour of Joysanne Sidimus, Founder and former Executive Director of the DTRC, and acknowledges her profound understanding of the lives of professional dancers and the issues involved in retiring from a professional performance career.
The Founder’s Award is a discretionary and competitive award.
It is given every two years, when financially feasible.
Criteria
The award is intended to be preparatory to an FTS-I Grant and is open to DTRC members who meet the FTS-I eligibility criteria. It is understood that the member receiving the award will be applying for a FTS-I Grant after completing this award. Please be aware that members receiving an FTS-I Grant are required to sign agreement of permanent retirement.
- A minimum of 10 years of professional performance, 5 of which were spent in Canada
- At least 28 years of age
- Fully paid member in good standing for at least 5 consecutive years prior to applying for grant
- Must have danced a minimum of 60 months during the 10 year minimum period
Exemptions may be made if the member must cease their professional dance career for medical reasons.
Amount
- $20,000 to cover a period of reflection of between 6-12 months.
Application Process
- Members wishing to apply for the Founder’s Award must notify the DTRC of their intention in advance of the application deadline.
- Members are required to complete and submit the Founder’s Award Application Form.
Valleyview Artist Retreat
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DTRC patron Lynda Hamilton has generously offered the Founder’s Award recipient the use of the Valleyview Artist Retreat for one week.
Situated just north-west to Toronto in the Hills of Caledon, the retreat is in a secluded rural setting and offers an environment conducive to inspiration and rejuvenation.
The week may be taken between April – October. Please note that this opportunity does not include transportation to the retreat. As well, the offer is not transferable and has no cash value. If the Founder’s Award recipient does not take advantage of the retreat in the year offered, no alternative is provided. Full details will be provided to the recipient on announcement of the award.
Grant Payments and Reimbursements
Skills, Career Exploration and Retraining Grants
Once your grant has been approved, you may receive your funding or reimbursement in one of two ways:
1. Submit receipts for reimbursement
Receipts must clearly indicate what they are for and that the amount being requested has been paid in full. Along with your receipts, please submit a note which summarizes the enclosed receipts, states the amount expected to be reimbursed and confirms your current mailing address.
2. Have your training institution invoice the DTRC directly
If you would like the DTRC to pay your institution directly, they must invoice us.
A sponsorship letter can be provided to the institution upon request.
Founder’s Award Inquiry Form
Members are required to complete and submit the Online Application below.
Please Note: Submissions and Questions are received by membership@dtrc.ca.
Will my personal information be protected?
The Privacy Act protects your personal information and provides you with a right to access your information.
Note that on a confidential basis, the Founder’s Award Committee may share information related to applications and awards with the DTRC Board to assist with program planning and application evaluation.
